Urgent Housing & Entitlements Specialist, Bronx (Bilingual Spanish/ DV)

AFRICAN AMERICAN PLANNING COMMISSION INC•New York, NY

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Under the general supervision of the Supervisor of Family Services, Housing Specialists are expected to perform various duties related to housing and entitlements for clients. This role involves networking with housing agencies, identifying housing opportunities, assisting clients with housing searches, and managing entitlement applications. The specialist will also provide guidance, information, and advocacy services to clients to facilitate independent living and appropriate referrals to support services.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in an appropriate human service discipline (social work, psychology or other acceptable discipline), Minimum of at least five (5) years of placement counseling in a similar social service setting, or any combination of post-secondary education and related experience totaling five (5) years
Associate Degree in a related field (Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, Psychology, Sociology, Education, Business, Liberal Arts, etc.) with at least 2-3 years’ experience.
Excellent grant writing and communication skills are a pre-requisite for this post.
Strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills with focus on providing excellent client services.
Strong written communication skills and ability to complete reports, as assigned
Demonstrate ability to interact effectively and collaboratively with a diverse community of residents, program staff and external vendors.
Ability to exercise good judgment and apply problem solving skills.
Experience working collaboratively in a team oriented and outcomes focused environment.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual (Spanish)

Responsibilities

Network actively with HPD, private landlords, NY/NY Housing, and Project Homeward Bound.
Research and identify other agencies, organizations, realty companies as well as local and state housing agencies.
Organize outings to show housing-ready clients the various dwellings available within and without the community.
Participate in meetings with Social Service staff to coordinate goals and objective for clients.
Attend in-service training programs and off-site training programs as requested by the Family Services Supervisor.
Give clients tips on how to follow up on housing leads.
Referrals may be made to local community service programs.
Work with private and public organizations to further the Housing Program of the facility.
Maintains up-to-date confidential case records.
Responsible for overseeing client entitlement application; Provides guidance and information; Monitors daily statistics of clients who apply for and/or are eligible to apply for public benefits; Prepares Bi-weekly report for Family Services Supervisor, Assistant Program Director & Program Director
Provides ongoing entitlement assessment and applications as a basis for developing appropriate referrals and other interventions.
Provides specific, ongoing information, counseling and advocacy services to effect appropriate referrals.
Develops mutually realized goals for clients to enable improved independent living.
Serves as liaison to appropriate support service agencies and programs (Food Stamps, SSI, SSD, Veterans Benefits, etc.).
Develops community-based and/or knowledge in a particular case management specialty, (Entitlements, etc.)
Completes daily and monthly activity reports.
Conducts work related functions with staff, clients and others, in a professional manner.
Complies with House/OTDA/HRA policies and procedures.
Performs other related duties as may be requested.